Ryan Smith delighted to be off the nudie run after scoring in 50th cap for the Reds
It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury this month, has reached an agreement on a switch to French club Toulon from the Queensland Reds, Japanese media reported on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who impressed during the Rugby World Cup, signed a lucrative deal with the Reds last year but has seen limited playing time in Australia.
Goromaru would sign a one-year contract with the wealthy French club after a medical, the Yomiuri newspaper quoted Toulon President Mourad Boudjellal as saying.
Boudjellal said Goromaru’s injury, which occurred during a match against Japan’s Sunwolves on May 21 and is expected to keep him out of action for three months, would have no impact on the deal.
Goromaru became a cult figure in Japan when his placekicking helped the ‘Brave Blossoms’ beat South Africa at last year’s World Cup in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the game.
Toulon boasts a number of top internationals in their ranks including Australians Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Quade Cooper, South Africa’s Brian Habana and Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny.
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It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
The youngster was playing his first Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench, but his game wasn't the main talking point after the game.
Is this a sign that rugby laws are getting too tricky, even for the players and commentators?
The kick of around 50 metres got the Reds well downfield!
The Reds centre had to leave the field to get the shoulder popped in, with fears he will need several weeks on the sideline…
Not only did the Queensland fullback keep up with his opponent, but then was quick enough to force a turnover penalty in the ruck.